Catholics witnessing to Mormons

So I came home from a long 'day' mission on the Big Island and two of my good friends were waiting, in my garage, to ask for some practical ways to speak with the missionaries that come knocking at their doors.

For several years I, with proper catholic spiritual direction, studied the ins and outs of the mormon church. I spent several years 'mormon bashing' and it had very little (if any) positive effect on those I spoke with. . . . I realized that without LOVE, nothing mattered. I also realized though that simply smiling, being super NICE, and 'loving' mormons didnt work either! So what to do? In this 'off the cuff' recording I share some of the methods ive picked up that have had the greatest positive effects so far ;)

'Living Out Loud!' Big Island Confirmation Retreat

This past Monday February 21st, 2011 I had the honor of speaking at the Big Island Confirmation Retreat. There theme was 'Live Out Loud!' with the goal of

"Inspiring and empowering teens preparing for Confirmation to return to their schools and community to “live out loud” their identity in Christ in a culture that encourages otherwise."


Their scriptural themes for the day were very powerful as well. The two that stood out to me were Jn 8:12 "I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." and 1 Tim 4:12 "Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity."

I spoke on several topics including my personal testimony as well as Teen Morality. I believe any discussion of Teen Morality ought to begin on a reflection of who WE ARE before God. As a child of God we have certain expectations to live up to. In my reflection we cover these things and search our hearts and the scriptures of how we are to act toward one another in the spirit of Christ


'Note - The audio was a little choppy. I cut out the parts that were inaudible. What you will hear is the first part of my testimony as well as a majority of the 'teen morality' discussion'

The Biblical Basis for the sacrament of 'Confession'

Listen to the Bible study on the biblical basis for the sacrament of Confession.


* In Summary it says that we must confess our sins to God (1 Jn 1:9). We are to confess to 'one another' in the presence of the presbyters (priests)(Jas 5:16). The OT prepares us for the process of confessing to priests (Lev 5:5-6). We see that Christ has the authority to forgive sins (Mt 9:6-8), gives the authority to his disciples (John 17:18, John 20:21-23) who now are ambassadors for this ministry of forgiveness (2 Cor 5:18 -21)*
Picture from http://www.nasugbuchurch.com/ (Francis Xavier Parish)

Are we saved by 'Faith Alone'? (Sola Fide) (Audio Mp3)

The most fundamental question of the Christian faith is 'How do we get to heaven?' or 'How are we saved?' There has been a recent trend of 'fundamentalist' and 'evangelical' influence on our local church and many catholics are pinned with the question 'Are you saved?' These protestants believe that we are saved by faith alone. Simply have 'faith' and confess that Christ is your savior and you are good to go. . . . Many catholics dont know how to answer the 'saved' question and those who do often do so to please the questioner. What does the Bible say? Are we saved by faith alone? Or is there more to the process of salvation? This audio bible study will take you through what the Bible -


So, catholics are YOU saved?

Yes, we were saved and born again in baptism (Jn. 3:5), We are being saved (1 Cor 1:18) as we work out our salvation in fear and trembling (Phil 2:12) and we will be saved by faith working through love Gal 5:6, as we endure until the end (2 Tim 2:11-12) IF like it says in 1 Jn 2:24-25 what we heard from the beginning abides in us then we will receive what is promised us, eternal life.

Picture from commentsfriendster.blogspot.com

Biblical basis for Purgatory (Bible Study) (Audio Mp3)

Listen to a bible study I led (at OLGC) on the biblical foundation of the doctrine of Purgatory



*In summary the Bible clearly shows that there is the reality of 'heavenly' places (i.e. not of this world) besides heaven or hell (Lk 23:39-43; 16:19-28) It also shows that there is punishment for sins even after forgiveness (2 Sam 12:13-18), that we e need to be perfect as the Father is perfect so that we can be CLEAN to enter heaven (Matthew 5:48 and Revelation 21:27) We know that there is some way that the spirits of Just men are made perfect (Hebrews 12:22-23) We know there is a place besides heaven or hell that you can suffer loss but still be saved (1 Corinthians 3:13-15) where you can be forgiven of your sins from a previous age (Matthew 12:32) and where you stay until you pay your entire debt (Matthew 18:32-35). We also know that we can pray for those going through this process (2 Macc. 12:43–45) This place (or state of being) is Purgatory and the the process if our final purification*


Picture from christtotheworld.blogspot.com


Introduction to Online Learning

It is ESSENTIAL for us teachers and catechists to integrate with new technology to better serve our students! This video will introduce you to HOW to use technology to teach ;)
The Password is: learn

*Please note that you must go to http://catechisttraining.blogspot.com/ in order to receive certification credit for this particular class*

Morality Lecture at OLGC (RCIA) 2/6/2011

Listen to a morality lecture I gave to the RCIA class at OLGC yesterday. The lecture is about 1 hour long. It will satisfy the requirements for CC110 (Intro to Morality) for the BOL certification


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